GAR Freehold Post Badge

Periodca. 1893

MediumSilk, aluminum, metal alloy, metallic thread

Dimensions8.5 × 3 in. (21.6 × 7.6 cm)

InscribedHandwritten in pencil on back of white ribbon, "Reunion"

MarkingsStamped on back of pin bar: "PAT. OCT. 18.92. / MAR. 7. '93" Stamped on back of pendant: "[illegible] TORSCH ? / BALT____ / PAT'N ___", likely inscribed for the Torsch Brothers badge making company of Baltimore, MD.

ClassificationsBadges, Buttons, Medals, & Ribbons

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object numberB-511

DescriptionThis elaborate badge is constructed of three layers of silk ribbon, attached to a decorative pin bar, and edged with metallic thread fringe. The shaped pin bar has a gold-tone metal border, and gold background, with an eagle, American flag, and Grand Army of the Republic emblem. In black, it is printed with "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC." A short ruched red, white, and blue ribbon hangs from the center and supports a colorful pendant depicting soldiers manning a cannon. A medium length fringed white ribbon separates the pendant from a longer black third ribbon. This long ribbon is stamped in silver metallic ink, "CAPT. JAS. W. / CONOVER / POST NO. 63 / FREEHOLD, N.J."
Curatorial RemarksThe Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was formed in 1866, following the end of the Civil War. The group was founded in order to support veterans, especially those who were wounded survivors, and membership was open to those who were honorably discharged and had served between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865. Local chapters of the GAR were called "Posts." The GAR post represented on this badge was named for Captain James W. Conover (1832-1864) of Freehold, and was founded on January 16, 1881. Conover was a Union soldier who was in charge of Company D, 14th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. He was wounded at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864 and died of his wounds about a month later.NotesThe MCHA Library & Archives holdings include a collection (#148) of Conover's papers (1864-65) including a transcript of his diary from 1864.

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